Fantasy-style book and movie buffs have long been aware of mythological characters such as trolls. You can meet them in a variety of works, both modern and written half a century ago. But some readers and viewers who have just recently begun to become interested in this topic would be interested to know where the trolls live. We will try to open this question as fully as possible.
Who are trolls?
First, letβs tell you who the trolls are. These are huge, extremely dangerous and completely unfriendly creatures in relation to humans. According to legend, they have a height of 2 to 8 meters. However, some of them, those that have magical powers, may decrease, trying to merge with the crowd. But they are always distinguished by another distinguishing feature - a disproportionately large nose, which for some reason they can not disguise.
According to some legends, they were created from stone or were simply generated by rocks - in any case, they are directly related to the inorganic. They live in dungeons, where whole castles are sometimes erected. They come to the surface only at night - usually to kidnap a bull, a ram, or even a person. Yes, they do not disdain cannibalism.
Most often they are afraid of the sun. If its rays illuminate the trolls, they will again turn into the stone from which they were generated. In the UK, there are even several huge rocks of an unusual shape, which locals say are former trolls who did not manage to get to a safe place before dawn.
Briefly about the popular cartoon
However, the cartoon, recently released on the screens, shows trolls from a completely different perspective. They differ in size from relatives of the giants - very tiny. In addition, these creatures are pretty cute, enjoy life and try not to quarrel with anyone. Their world is shown surprisingly beautiful, bright. As a result, many young viewers became interested to find out where the trolls from the animated film "Trolls" lived.
It was because they literally radiated happiness that the poor fellows had serious problems. Evil and disgusting Bergens catch them and eat them to feel happiness. Therefore, the place where the trolls live is secret in the cartoon - their village is hidden from the eyes of people and other creatures that can disrupt the harmony that they enjoy.
Scandinavia - the birthplace of stone giants
But still, classic trolls have a very distant relationship with those shown in the cartoon. Moreover, they differ not only in large size and bad character. If you are wondering where the trolls live, then the answer is definitely not a sunny, beautiful village. After all, Scandinavia was and remains their homeland. Severe lands, the inhabitants of which terrified almost all the countries of Europe.
And the name itself comes from the Swedish Troll - "witchcraft." Therefore, the magical origin of these villains is certain. But interestingly, despite the proximity of cultures, the Swedish, Norwegian and Danish trolls are very different from each other.
For example, Norwegians tell legends about monsters that had two, seven, nine, and even more heads. By the way, it was here that the trolls left the most βevidenceβ of their activities. Many place names are somehow related to them. The most famous are Trollway (troll road), Trollbotn (gorge of trolls) and Trollvann (lake of trolls). The first was allegedly built by these stone giants to easily get to the right places. And the gorge and the lake were simply notorious - it was believed that a person who decided to visit them might not return because of the evil trolls.
Only in Swedish legends it is said that trolls of both sexes are found. Here you can hear legends about the abduction of human people and the replacement of a baby monster. Therefore, many mothers in the areas where the trolls lived, necessarily used special amulets. They reliably protected babies from abduction in the first days of life.
Where do they live
Most tales quite clearly answer the question of where the trolls lived: underground. In huge caves, where there is a lot of space to add the loot, you can also safely hide from sunlight.
But there are exceptions. In the same Scandinavia, trolls living under a bridge are distinguished as a special subspecies. They are smaller (imagine a bridge, under which an 8-meter giant lives comfortably), are not afraid of the sun, and also do not descend to cannibalism. Sometimes they even build stone bridges over rivers, under which they themselves live. True, more often they just capture them immediately after construction, and then they require a fee from everyone who wants to use the building.
Alive to this day?
You are wondering if there is such a place in the world where trolls live - a country or a city? Surprisingly, yes! Icelanders, descendants of Scandinavian natives, have preserved the traditions of their ancestors. They seriously believe that trolls exist, can be beneficial and harmful. A few years ago, they banned the construction of a major state road, as it passed through places where, according to their idea, trolls live. In order not to disturb their neighbors, whose anger could fall on the locals, a petition was drawn up, which was signed by thousands of people.
Often they even leave goodies for these amazing creatures, and sometimes they build bright houses. Perhaps it is the Icelandic trolls that are most similar to those shown in the cartoon, which sharply raised their popularity. And brought fame throughout the world.
Conclusion
Now you know where the trolls live, and you can also easily distinguish the Norwegian troll from the Swedish and especially Icelandic. It is impossible to meet them today, but still, such knowledge makes the world more vibrant, interesting and rich.